When the sun finally breaks through our famously changeable skies, there’s a shared sense of anticipation — time for BBQs, long lunches, lazy brunches, and gathering around our garden furniture with friends and family.
But as garden lovers ourselves, we’ve also seen the not-so-glamorous side: wooden chairs warping, plastic weave sagging, and rattan losing its shine under relentless sun and showers.
This season, we wanted to do things differently. Think of this article as a chat over iced drinks in your garden: part expert insight, part friendly advice.
While there's scant formal UK research specifically comparing garden furniture materials under heat stress, the trends and performance issues are clear from industry reports and customer experiences across the UK.
Here at the Lazy Magazine, we know that outdoor furniture materials like untreated wood, poor-quality plastics, and certain poly-rattans can look stylish when new but often show premature wear after a British summer. Meanwhile, our cast aluminium collection remains consistent, stylish, and resilient.
What is the Best Garden Furniture for Hot Weather UK?
So, what is the best garden furniture for hot weather UK? Which materials can stand up to the British summer sun (and rain) — and which ones wilt under pressure? And why does cast aluminium consistently pull ahead in the durability, comfort, and low maintenance departments?
Grab yourself a cool drink and read on — we’re about to break down the most common materials and reveal why our cast aluminium outdoor furniture collection is the standout choice for stylish, stress‑free outdoor living this summer.
1. Wooden Outdoor Furniture: Warm and Timeless but Demanding
Wood furniture offers a classic, natural look that blends beautifully with leafy British outdoor spaces. Teak, acacia, and eucalyptus are among the most heat-resistant options, with teak being especially durable in fluctuating weather and great for garden chairs.
But here’s the catch: wooden furniture needs regular maintenance. In hot, dry spells, untreated timber can dry out, crack, or become discoloured. Light-coloured woods may fade, while darker finishes can absorb heat, become hot to the touch, and split. For wooden sets to survive summer, regular oiling and protective covers are a must.
Lazy Magazine Verdict: Beautiful but high-maintenance. Best for sheltered patios and those happy to commit to care. We looked at this subject in more detail in our What is the best wood for outdoor furniture? article.
2. Plastic & Resin Garden Furniture: Lightweight and Budget-Friendly but Prone to Warping
Plastic and resin outdoor furniture sets are often celebrated for being low-cost, light, and easy to move. But on hot days, they can quickly show their limitations.
Prolonged sun exposure may cause plastic to warp, fade, or even become brittle over time. And while modern pieces have bags of aesthetic appeal, it’s still vulnerable to UV degradation if not protected or stored properly.
Lazy Magazine Verdict: Great for occasional use and smaller spaces, but longevity suffers in full sun.
3. Rattan Garden Furniture (Natural & Synthetic): Stylish and Summery with Varying Heat Resistance
Natural rattan looks effortlessly elegant, but doesn’t handle moisture or sun well. It can become dry and brittle in high temperatures, meaning it’s better suited for conservatories or covered patios.
Synthetic rattan (usually made from from a polyethylene weave) is a much better choice for outdoor use. When UV-stabilised, it withstands sun and rain, although it may still fade or sag slightly over the years if not well maintained.
Lazy Magazine Verdict: Choose synthetic over natural rattan for sun exposure — but avoid leaving it uncovered all summer.
4. Steel and Iron Furniture: Strong and Traditional but Not Great in Heat
Wrought iron and steel patio furniture sets offer a charming, vintage feel (iron) or a boxy contemporary look (steel) and are known for their strength. But these types of metal furniture are not ideal in hot weather.
Both types of metal absorb and retain heat, meaning surfaces can become uncomfortably hot. Plus, steel and iron are more prone to rust if paintwork chips and moisture seeps in — especially after a summer shower followed by strong sun.
Lazy Magazine Verdict: Durable and decorative, but uncomfortable in the heat without cushions — and not ideal for low-maintenance gardens. If you do go steel make sure it is powder coated steel.
5. Cast Aluminium Furniture: The Best Durable Material and All-Rounder for UK Summers
Here’s where cast aluminium steps into the spotlight. It is incredibly durable, lightweight, rustproof, and extremely weather-resistant
Cast aluminium is uniquely suited to the British climate — especially in summer. It doesn’t retain heat the way iron or steel does, making it more comfortable to touch even after hours in the sun. Thanks to its powder-coated finish, it resists fading, corrosion, and peeling, all while maintaining a sleek, elegant appearance.
And unlike wooden or rattan options, it requires very little maintenance. A quick wipe-down is usually enough to keep it looking its best — no varnishing, oiling, or worrying about rust or mildew.
Lazy Magazine Verdict: If you’re looking for the best garden furniture for hot weather in the UK, cast aluminium offers the ideal blend of style, strength, and summer comfort. We looked at the thermal conductivity of our collection in last summer's Does an aluminium garden table and chairs get hot in the sun? article.
Best Garden Furniture Materials for Hot Weather in the UK: At a Glance
|
Material |
Heat Resistance |
Maintenance |
Weather Durability |
Style Options |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cast Aluminium |
Stays cooler in direct sunlight |
Low |
Rust-proof |
Classic to contemporary |
Lightweight, long-lasting, ideal for variable UK conditions |
|
Wood |
Can overheat and warp if untreated |
High |
Requires sealing or oiling |
Natural and traditional |
Needs regular care; teak performs best in heat |
|
Plastic/Resin |
May fade, warp or crack in heat |
Low |
Less durable in extremes |
Functional, basic styles |
Budget-friendly but not ideal for prolonged sun exposure |
|
Rattan (Synthetic) |
Generally heat-tolerant |
Low |
UV and weather-resistant |
Popular and versatile |
Choose PE rattan for durability; avoid cheaper PVC blends |
|
Steel |
Heats up quickly in the sun |
Medium |
Can rust without coating |
Modern and industrial |
Needs cushions and a protective finish to remain usable in heat |
|
Glass (Tempered) |
Excellent heat resistance if tempered |
Low |
Weather-resistant |
Elegant and contemporary |
Best used for table tops; always choose tempered glass for safety |
Why Our Cast Aluminium Dining Sets Stand Out
When it comes to choosing the best garden furniture for hot weather in the UK, we believe you shouldn’t have to choose between function, comfort, and style. That’s why at Lazy Susan, we specialise in cast aluminium — a material that truly earns its place as the standout choice for British outdoor spaces.
Designed to withstand everything a UK summer can throw at it — from heatwaves to heavy downpours — our cast aluminium dining sets are built to last, look beautiful, and feel comfortable, even on the sunniest days.
Here’s why our customers choose Lazy Susan for summer-ready outdoor living:
-
Lower Heat Retention
Cast aluminium stays cooler than many metal alternatives — even in direct sunlight. No scorching chair arms or too-hot tabletops here. -
No Rust
Thanks to its rust-proof finish, you don’t need to worry about sudden summer showers or morning dew. Just wipe down and dine out. -
Low Maintenance
Forget sanding, oiling or covering — a quick clean is all it takes to keep your furniture looking fresh. -
Timeless Design
Our collections are available in classic and contemporary styles, all carefully curated to suit UK patios, lawns, and courtyard gardens. -
Long Lifespan
Invest once and enjoy for years. Cast aluminium resists warping, fading and wear, making it a savvy choice for style-conscious homeowners.
At Lazy Susan, we’ve spent years perfecting outdoor furniture that not only complements your outdoor space but also stands up to the ever-changing UK climate.
Whether you're hosting a sun-soaked garden party or enjoying a quiet morning coffee on the patio, our cast aluminium sets deliver cool comfort, elegant style, and effortless durability — all summer long and well beyond.
Our Final Thoughts: Stay Cool, Stay Stylish
Let’s face it — British summers are anything but predictable. A bright morning can quickly turn cloudy, and a hot afternoon might be followed by a cool, damp evening.
That’s why your outdoor furniture needs to do more than survive the odd scorcher — it needs to perform in heat, humidity, and the frequent summer downpours without losing its good looks or comfort.
While wood offers charm, plastic brings affordability, rattan adds texture, and steel delivers strength, these materials all come with compromises when it comes to heat resilience and year-round practicality in our erratic climate.
Cast aluminium, on the other hand, strikes the perfect balance. It stays cooler under the sun, won’t rust in the rain, and requires very little upkeep. Better yet, it delivers on design — with timeless silhouettes and elegant finishes that elevate any garden or patio space.
At Lazy Susan, we’ve built our reputation on garden furniture that’s made for the way we live outdoors in Britain: stylish enough to impress, durable enough to last, and always ready for a spontaneous al fresco moment.
Time in our outdoor spaces is limited, so we have to make the most of it. Whether you're enjoying breakfast on your terrace or hosting a late-summer dinner with friends, our cast aluminium sets are designed to help you make the most of it — whatever the weather!
The unpredictable nature of the UK climate means our garden furniture needs to be more than just stylish — it has to be practical, adaptable, and ready for everything from intense sun to sudden downpours. When choosing the best garden furniture for hot weather in the UK, it’s not just about what looks good on a warm afternoon; it’s about what lasts through the seasons with minimal fuss.
Discover Our Cast Aluminium Garden Furniture
Weatherproof, effortlessly stylish, and easy to maintain — our garden furniture range is crafted for summer living. Explore the collection and find the perfect match for your outdoor space.
Don’t forget to share your garden table! Tag us on Instagram or Facebook using @LazySusanFurniture, or upload your table styling photos to our Do Some Good campaign—we’d love to see how you bring the garden to the table!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best garden furniture for hot weather in the UK?
The best garden furniture for hot UK weather is cast aluminium. It stays cooler in the sun, doesn’t rust, and offers a timeless, low-maintenance option that’s perfect for British gardens.
2. Is cast aluminium a durable material for garden furniture?
Yes, cast aluminium is one of the most durable materials for outdoor use. It’s rustproof, weather-resistant, and won’t warp or crack in fluctuating UK temperatures.
3. What makes a cast aluminium dining set a smart investment?
A cast aluminium dining set combines style with strength. It resists heat and rain, requires little upkeep, and offers long-term value—ideal for frequent outdoor dining during warm UK months.
4. Can I leave cast aluminium outdoor furnishings outside all year round?
Absolutely. Unlike wood or steel, cast aluminium outdoor furnishings don’t need to be covered or stored. They’re designed to withstand both heatwaves and sudden downpours.
5. What accessories go best with garden furniture in the summer?
Garden furniture accessories like parasols, outdoor cushions, and weather-resistant rugs add comfort and style. For hot weather, choose UV-resistant fabrics and breathable materials that stay cool in the sun.
6. What kind of coffee table works best in hot weather?
A cast aluminium coffee table is an ideal choice for sunny patios. Our coffee tables are heat-resistant, rustproof, and they pair beautifully with our classic garden dining sets.
7. Are dining chairs made from cast aluminium comfortable?
Yes — today’s cast aluminium dining chairs are ergonomically designed and often include weather-resistant cushions. They're both supportive and stylish for long, relaxed meals outdoors.
8. How do I choose the best garden dining table for summer?
Look for a dining table that’s heat-resistant, easy to clean, and large enough to entertain. Cast aluminium tables offer all this with the bonus of elegant design and excellent durability.
9. Is a bistro set suitable for smaller UK gardens?
Yes — a cast aluminium bistro set is perfect for compact spaces like patios, balconies, or courtyards. It’s stylish, weatherproof, and ideal for enjoying coffee or light meals al fresco.
10. What makes cast aluminium the best garden furniture for the UK?
Cast aluminium outdoor furniture is the ultimate choice for the UK climate. It’s the best garden furniture option for hot weather thanks to its low heat retention, rust resistance, and long-lasting, highly durable style.
11. What are the best garden furniture accessories for summer in the UK?
The best garden furniture accessories for warm UK weather include cushions resistant to the sun's UV rays, parasols for shade, outdoor lighting, and protective covers. These additions not only enhance comfort and style but also help extend the life of your garden furniture.
